I was recently hired by a bride to take portraits of her guests while the couple and bridal party were with the wedding photographer. The portraits were wedding gifts for the guests rather than a cute favour.
The location was the library of the stately Paletta Mansion in Burlington, Ontario Canada. The library, a rather formal mid-size room provided a perfect backdrop for classic portraits. The portraits were printed, slipped into a presentation folio which was signed by the couple in advance, and delivered to the guests 2 hours later after dinner.
This was the first time I’ve heard of such a wedding gift and judging by the feedback the guests were thrilled to receive such a unique and thoughtful gift from the couple. If you’re struggling deciding on your wedding favours consider hiring a second photographer to take portraits of your guests while you’re busy with the wedding photographer. I’m sure your guests will appreciate a professional portrait of their family.
Here’s a selection of the portraits.





Posted in Ryder Photo, Stuff, Weddings | Tagged "Ryder Photography", Burlington, canada, ontario, Paletta Mansion, photo, photography, portrait, wedding, wedding favor, wedding favour, wedding gifts, wedding guests | Leave a Comment »
Meet Cali. I was out photographing my young son sledding today and this energetic, powerful and fun loving doberman arrived with her owners. She was having such a good time tearing around in the snow I had to grab a shot. 4 feet off the ground, snow flying, Cali was loving it!

Posted in Dog Photography, Ryder Photo | Tagged "Ryder Photography", canada, dog, ontario, photo, photography, portrait, portraits, snow, waterdown, winter | Leave a Comment »
December 11, 2009 by Linz
If you live in the Golden Horseshoe area of Ontario, love BBQing and southern cooking you owe yourself a visit to Hillbilly Heaven in Burlington. There’s a great selection of southern cooking fare on the shelves but the prize is the smoker in the kitchen. Turning out pulled pork, brisket, chicken & ribs is their forte. Just be sure to arrive hungry because the portions are big!
For the holidays, consider picking up some gift baskets for the BBQ lovers you know. Here’s a few shots of baskets that I took for their new website.






Posted in Ryder Photo | Tagged "Ryder Photography", BBQ sauce, Burlington, canada, commercial photographer, gift baskets, Hillbilly Heaven, ontario, photography, southern cooking | Leave a Comment »
November 13, 2009 by Linz

The holidays are approaching quickly but it’s not too late to schedule a family portrait session just in time for the holidays. I have a couple of time slots still available over the next 3 weekends.
Deadline for ordering prints or greeting cards is Monday, December 7th.
For my availability or to book a session contact me at lindsey@ryderphoto.ca or 905-690-7697.
Posted in Ryder Photo | Tagged "Ryder Photography", Burlington, christmas, family portraits, greetings, Hamilton, holiday, Oakville, waterdown | Leave a Comment »
Maddie recently came to visit us (her human is my sister-in-law) and since it was a nice day we hung out on the porch for a while getting some shots of this striking cavalier spaniel. She is the bubbliest and always on the go so getting her to sit still for a few shots was a challenge but patience always pays off.







Posted in Dog Photography, Ryder Photo | Tagged "Ryder Photography", Burlington, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, dog, Dog Photography, ontario, Ontario Dog, photography, portraits | 1 Comment »
Introducing Stella & Mia…. What a pair! Stella, a young vizsla, and Mia, the cutest Yorkie I know, were so into their photo session. Being well trained and having their Moms’ with rewards was a plus too. We started with some urban chic shots at Burlington’s Village Square then moved onto La Salle Park & Marina for some fun.















Posted in Dog Photography, Ryder Photo | Tagged "Ryder Photography", Burlington, Burlington Village Square, dog, Dog Photography, fun, La Salle Park, ontario, Ontario Dog Photography, photo, photography, portrait, portraits | Leave a Comment »
September 17, 2009 by Linz
A few weeks ago I had the honour of photographing a number of young & talented musicians. The images were to be used in promotional materials highlighting an upcoming Music Competition followed by a Grand Festival Concert in Burlington, Ontario.
Below is the sleek festival poster designed by a local Burlington graphic design company, The Graphic Attic, incorporating an image of one of the young musicians.
If you have a young musician in your family, or know of one that loves to perform, make them aware of the festival and encouage them to showcase their talent. If you enjoy music and would like more information on the festival visit the website at Rotary Music Festival.
![Rotary Music Festival Poster[1] Rotary Music Festival Poster[1]](http://ryderphoto.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/rotary-music-festival-poster1.jpg?w=500&h=647)
Posted in Events, Ryder Photo | Tagged "Ryder Photography", Burlington, festival, graphic design, kids, music, music festivals, musicians, ontario, photography, Rotary, talent, young | Leave a Comment »
September 15, 2009 by Linz
On the first day of JK Thomas sleeps in! He never sleeps in. Why today and not a Sunday? I pull back his curtains and raise his blinds, bright sunlight streams in across his bed onto his face, but not a motion. I poke him, nudge him, tell him it’s time to get up, all I get is a grunt. Hmmm, he’s not 5 yet and already acting like a lazy teenager!
He finally wakes up and realizes it’s that special day, the day he gets to go to his big boy school for a whole day. He quickly gets dressed, brushes his teeth and washes his face without argument. Wow, this is feeling good!
He eats his brekky, we pack his lunch and backpack, and he even has time to watch a TV show while I get ready. We head out a few minutes early so we can capture this monumental day with some photos to share & remember.

Looking good

What a poser

Check out the coolest backpack...STAR WARS - from Pottery Barn Kids

Running to school! Wonder how long that will last?

Come on Mum....

Running towards the playground

In line with Cael & Cailyn - two friends from nursery school

Thomas' school for the next 8 years
So that’s the start to this day, Tuesday September 15th 2009, Thomas’ first day at JK! Now I’m going to get caught up on editing some sessions without interruption.
After school Update
I walked Ripley to pick Thomas up from school and didn’t take a camera so no after school photos.
Right after the bell rang, Thomas came out of school with his teacher and classmates. He was thrilled to see that Ripley had come to meet him. I doubt I can get Ripley out of bed to walk with us in the morning but she’ll enjoy the afternoon pickup.
Rather than leave right away and head home Thomas said he wanted to eat the rest of his lunch, at school, on a bench. So for the next 10 minutes we sat there watching the kids get on the buses as Thomas munched on his remaining lunch.
At the moment here’s how he ranks his social scene…
JK is better than day care, but nursery tops JK.
Posted in Stuff, Thomas | Tagged excited, fun, happy, kids, kindergarten, photo, photography, school, The Ryders & Family, Thomas | 2 Comments »
Jacquie & Jarrett, a wonderful couple, married with a Kettle Creek ceremony then headed to Burlington’s lake front at Spencer Smith Park for a quick shoot. With the brilliant sun and blistering heat little Ayanna enjoyed cooling her toes off. A sneak preview ….









Or view the slideshow
Posted in Ryder Photo, Weddings | Tagged "Ryder Photography", Burlington, ontario, photo, photography, Spencer Smith Park, wedding | 1 Comment »
Summer is right on our doorstop and there’s nothing quite like the soft, diffused golden light that accompanies warm summer evenings. It’s a great time to get the family together for a fun summer photo session. A stroll down at Spencer Smith Park or along the trail at Paletta Mansion, a picnic at Webster’s Falls or Bronte Creek Park, or a splashing session at a waterpark. They all make for a fun & relaxed family photo session and we have a special offer too.

Welcome to Summer Special
One hour family portrait session taken at your home or a local outdoor park.
Online web gallery for viewing and sharing the images
Two 8×10 prints & two 5×7 prints
Special Offer: $150
Rate is for up to a family of 4 members ($25 per additional person).
Offer valid for booked & sessions shot by July 31st, 2009
Posted in Ryder Photo, Stuff | Tagged "Ryder Photography", kids, photography, portraits, special offer, summer | 1 Comment »
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